Seasonal condition and body composition changes in sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) raised in captivity

Changes in biological indices (weight, length, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio and fillet portion), and body composition were examined in sharpsnout seabream (30 to 500 g) maintained in culture for one and a half years. Growth was rapid during May-September, and slow from October to April. Gonadal development took place between August and October, and gonadosomatic index peaked in October (GSI: 1.14%). The condition factor, the hepatosomatic index and the intraperitoneal fat ratio varied (CF: 1.83 -2.51, HSI: 0.80-2.47%, IPF ratio: 1.27-2.95%, minimum and maximum values, respectively), falling during the warmer months of the year (May-Oct). The fillet portion (the eviscerated fish with the head, fishbone and tail removed), represented a 55% of body mass. There were inverse correlations between relative fat and moisture contents associated with growth periods and sexual maturation (fat: 13.5-18.5%, moisture: 59.9-64.6%, minimum and maximum values, respectively), whereas proportions of minerals and protein were more stable (ash: 3.8-4.8%, proteins: 17.5-21.4%, minimum and maximum values, respectively). (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.